“Every truth passes through three stages before it is recognized. In the first, it is ridiculed. In the second, it is violently opposed. In the third, it is regarded as self-evident.” - A. Schopenhauer. Today, many of us seek the truths of our Native ancestors to guide us along our way.

Intercession is a humble plea in favor of another, a prayer or petition to God in behalf of another. Through vision, Black Elk believed that he had been appointed to be an intercessor for his people. This vision eventually led him to take on the crucial role of leading his people to Christianity.

At the dawn of a new year, many of us look for ways to create positive change for our lives. One way is to study the wisdom of the Relatives who came before us. We can use this wisdom to guide us along our journey.

Native American women suffer some of the highest rates of emotional turmoil and are among the least cared for in this nation. Congressional failure can be seen as the beginning of a spiritual battle for the first American women.

To those in the digital world, unyielding signal strength, maximum speed, and endless connectivity all add up to power. A larger form of power is found in the relationship with Web 2.0 technologies which transforms our ability to communicate with each other and effect or create change.

It helps us to understand that we are the keepers of the wisdom of our ancestors, that we can access this wisdom through the gates of an open heart. Our ancestors knew that we can enter these gates with thanksgiving and praise. In order to do that we have to know who we are in the Great Spirit.

Wisdom to impart is a very special gift. Each one of us has spiritual gifts that we offer to others around us. As we take a moment to consider what our experience has taught us, we soon realize that we are wise spiritual beings. What is your most heartfelt advice? What is your legacy?

“It does not require many words to speak the truth.” Chief Joseph, Nez Perce (1840-1904)
Natives have experienced first-hand the nearly irrevocable damage that hateful words can cause. There is hope that we can turn this around by joining together and healing our souls.